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It's Psychedelic Baby Magazine

It's Psychedelic Baby is an independent, music magazine. We are covering alternative, underground, non-commercial and non-mainstream artists in variety of shapes and genres. Exclusive interviews, reviews and articles. A place where musicians can express themselves. We serve an international readership.

The magical influence of Amanita mushroom on Christmas tradition

There is a strong affinity between the Christmas and psychedelics that is evidently demonstrated by some kind of magic mushroom which is a symbol that has adorned Christmas trees since the inception and popularization of Christmas tradition.

Many people are completely oblivious of the psychedelic history of the Christmas tradition which is embodied by amanita muscaria. The amanita mushroom is a psychedelic plant that has been responsible for igniting many religions and esoteric practices. Needless to say that this type of fungus is extremely toxic and can be fatal for humans.

The similarities are so many that it would not be unfounded to assume the Christmas tradition was born from psychedelic origins.

While the historical backgrounds of Christmas Santa remains sketchy, there is considerable evidence indicating that the Santa evolved from an integration of various myths and traditional stories that emanated Eurasian region that lies between Europe and Asia. The concept of Santa evolved into the modern world and was heavily influenced by Dutch traditions and was later immortalized in through the works of Clement Clark Moore’s famous poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas.”

At this time there were divergent ideas about the concept of Santa Claus in America; also the Santa had not taken a definitive appearance that it could be identified by. All of these changed in the 1930s when Coca-Cola created the image that has become conclusive in the evolution of Santa impressions.

The transformation of the Coca-Cola Santa happened in 1931. Archie Lee, the ad agency creative director for the Coca-Cola account, was inspired to show a wholesome, kind Santa. He turned to artist Haddon Sundblom to create the image.

Ostentatiously, it would appear that the Santa Claus tradition is the result of some of the most powerful marketing campaigns launched by Coca-Cola. However, the tradition of Santa Claus and the many images and symbols that are currently used in the celebration of the season can be traced back to psychedelic effects of those red and white mushrooms which was used extensively in the esoteric practices by some of the earliest settlers in the Eurasian region. It is also very plausible that the psychedelic effects of the mushroom would certainly have inspired the stars, trees, and other features that are used today.

Unsurprisingly, a flying reindeer which is often associated with the Santa Claus has a ridiculously spiritual undertone which would most likely have been inspired by the indigenous people of Siberia who were hunters and reindeer herders. They used to live also a mystical and shamanic kind of life.

Shamanism was linked to the Fly Agaric mushroom (another name of Amanita muscaria). Reindeers also love these mushrooms-it’s their favorite delicacy.

Typically, this particular fungus thrives under pine trees which offer favorable environment for the mushrooms to thrive. These pine trees provide a suitable explanation for the use of pine trees in Christmas celebrations. Additionally the bright red and white lights that are used in the decoration of these trees are designed in a way that is symbolic of the red and white colors of the mushrooms. The costume of Santa is very similar to the clothes worn by mushroom harvesters who wore big black boots and fur coats which were red and white in color. However, the red and white clothing of Santa is reminiscent of the red and white amanitas. When the mushrooms are harvested by the gatherers from under the various pine trees where they thrived and would then be carried back in sacks where it would be shared other people as gifts.

A very potent psychedelic effect which triggers hallucinations and has been widely used in religious and esoteric practices are some of the mind altering properties of that fungus that creates an overwhelming awe-inspiring experience. Over the years, the magical effect of the amanita is constantly depicted in fairy tales and is closely identified with magic and mystical occurrences.

In the recent days people who want a deep but more secure mystical experience tend to choose variety of substance for their psychedelic trips. These days with slowly expanding legalisation of cannabis and other psychedelics people are starting to understand and research medical value of plants and fungus. Even back in the 1960s and 1970s people like Terence McKenna figured out how to grow your own plants and these days there are many varieties and possibilities; from magic mushroom kit to autoflowering cannabis seeds.

The magical sleigh travel that takes Santa round the world in one night certainly evolved from psychedelic origins and has a robust legend that involves heavenly chariot, and a host of other interestingly mystical figures and occurrences. Undoubtedly, the involvement of this psychedelic references in creating one of the fascinating and enduring traditions in the world is irrefutable. The effects have been very instrumental in inspiring some of the world’s most outstanding creative works, with profound impact in fostering spiritual enlightenment.

All children at some point learn that Santa Claus does not really exist. But it seems that is very possible that existed at least as a psychedelic figure in someway and might have lived the highly inspired life of his old ancestors.

Read more about this subject in interview with author of Psychedelia (Patrick Lundborg).

None of the posted images are our copyright, with exception of Amanita Muscaria (second photo from the top).

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Psychedelic Folk issue available

Dedicated to British psychedelic folk. New issue of printed version projected from the well-known, leading psych on-line site It’s Psychedelic Baby. After the previous issue covering exclusively the US psychedelic folk scene (IPB 002, 2016), this new issue covers the 1960s and 1970s British folk scene, with exclusive interviews of members from acts such as Fresh Maggots, Comus, Mellow Candle, Dr Strangely Strange, Spirogyra, C.O.B., Incredible String Band, Fairport Convention, Pererin, Courtyard Music Group, Magic Carpet, Sunforest, Oberon, etc. Also includes a few pages of record reviews. Cover by Justin Jackley.